Mono Symptoms

Mononucleosis is a disease also called glandular fever or kissing disease and the Epstein Barr virus is responsible for causing this illness. This is a common condition and many people tend to be affected by this virus. However the mono symptoms are not observed in most cases as antibodies against the virus tend to protect individuals against this condition.

Mono symptoms which are caused by the mononucleosis disease occur due to increase in the lymphocytes which are special kinds of white blood cells. The symptoms most commonly associated with this condition include sore throat, fever and general malaise. The virus responsible for causing this infection can infect any individual and this condition is commonly observed in adolescents as well as young adults.

Mono disease in children is less severe and the mono symptoms in such cases may mimic the symptoms of other childhood illnesses. This condition is largely transmitted through saliva and can also pass when infected individuals cough or sneeze. Sharing of beverages or food from infected containers can also result in spreading of this condition.

The mono symptoms tend to appear in around four to six weeks following the initial infection. The initial symptoms associated with this condition include malaise or lack of energy along with chills and loss of appetite. These symptoms are experienced for an initial period of one to around three days. After these initial symptoms more intense symptoms are experienced and these may include severe sore throat along with fever.

The other typical mono symptoms include swelling of lymph nodes of the neck region. Those suffering from this condition also tend to get a fever of around 102 to 104 F. Along with fever the other mono symptoms include reddened throat as well as tonsils. In some cases the tonsils also have whitish coating to them and in some cases the spleen also tends to become enlarged.

Some other mono symptoms observed in some cases include enlarged liver and splotchy red rashes on the body. The diagnosis of this condition is largely made based on an examination of the symptoms. Along with an examination of the symptoms blood tests can help rule out other conditions. Specific tests for identification of this condition include heterophile antibody test and monospot test.

The treatment of mono largely involves treating specific mono symptoms. Like most viral infections this condition tends to resolve on its own. Erythromycin or penicillin may be used for treatment of strep throat. For the other symptoms like fever or body aches acetaminophen can be used. Adequate sleep as well as rest is important to recover from this condition.

Mono symptoms like sore throat tend to be worse during the period of first five to around seven days of the condition. The soreness then tends to subside and the swelling in the glands also subsides after the third week. Those suffering from this condition may continue to feel tired or experience fatigue for period of few months after the acute period of the condition passes.

Some of the rarely experienced symptoms include neck stiffness, nose bleed, headache, cough, chest pain, and rapid heart rate, sensitivity to light, hives and shortness of breath. In rare cases this condition may result in red blood cell destruction and inflammation of heart muscle.